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'Snatch and grab' crimes against foreigners by thieves on motorcycles are frequent and have resulted in injuries. Assaults and armed robberies against foreigners have also occurred. Foreigners have been the target of sexual assault. Monitor the news and other sources for developments which may affect your security. See
Safety and security.

Travel by roads is dangerous. Driving standards, road conditions and vehicle maintenance quality are generally very poor. Avoid driving at night. See
Local travel.

Be wary of accepting invitations from strangers. Criminals presenting themselves as friendly locals invite tourists into private homes where they are coerced into playing card games. Travellers have lost large amounts of money, sometimes at gun point. See
Safety and security.

Penalties for drug offences, including those involving 'soft drugs', are severe. See
Laws.

The wet season is from July to November. During this time, severe storms and widespread flooding, including localised flash flooding, can occur without warning. See
Natural disasters.

Entry and exit

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf if you don't meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

Visas

You'll need a visa to visit Cambodia.

If you're travelling to Cambodia for tourism, you can apply for an electronic tourist visa (e-visa) online through the
Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. E-visas are only valid for entry through the Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville International Airports, and Cham Yeam (Koh Kong), Poipet (Banteay Meanchey), Bavet (Svay Rieng) and Tropaeng Krael (Stung Treang).

Tourist visas are also available on arrival at air and land entry points that are open to foreigners, including those where e-visas are accepted.

Tourist visas are valid for thirty days. For longer stays, or if you're travelling to Cambodia for a purpose other than tourism, you'll need to arrange a visa in advance through the nearest
Embassy or Consulate of Cambodia.

Day trips (arriving and departing on the same day) aren't permitted, except when arriving and departing via Phnom Penh International Airport.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact the nearest
Embassy or Consulate of Cambodia for up-to-date information.

Land border crossings

If you plan to enter or exit Cambodia via a land border crossing, confirm before you travel that it's open to foreigners and, if required, that visas on arrival are available. Entry and exit conditions change regularly. Be especially alert to the local security situation in border regions and land crossings between countries. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities. See
Safety and security.

Cambodia-Thailand border

On the Thai border, there are six crossing points you can use to enter and exit Cambodia. The crossing points are:

Cham Yeam (Koh Kong)

O Smach (Oddar Meanchey)

Poipet (Banteay Meanchey)

Prom (Pailin)

Daung (Battambang)

Chorma (Oddar Meanchey).

You can get tourist visas on arrival at these border crossings during opening hours. If you're travelling to Thailand for tourism, you may be eligible for a 15-day 'visa exemption'.

There is an ongoing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over their shared border. The most recent fighting in 2012 caused fatalities. If you visit the Thai-Cambodia border area, be alert to the risk of landmines and unexploded military ordnance. This is particularly relevant for the following areas popular with tourists:

the Preah Vihear temple (known as Khao Pra Viharn temple in Thailand), located between Sisaket Province in Thailand and Preah Vihear Province in Cambodia

the Ta Krabei (known as Ta Kwai temple in Thailand) and Ta Moan Thom (known as Ta Muen temple in Thailand) temples, located in Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia.

Tourist attractions and border crossing points in this area may be closed with little or no notice.

Cambodia-Vietnam border

On the Vietnamese border, the official border crossings are at:

Bavet (Svay Rieng)

Kaam Samnor (Kandal Mekong)

Trapaing Sre (Kratie)

Phnom Den (Takeo).

You can get tourist visas on arrival at these border crossings during opening hours. Visas for Vietnam aren't available at the border.

Cambodia-Laos border

The Lao side of the border crossing at Dong Krolo (Stung Treng) is often closed with little notice. The border crossing is in an isolated location 50km to the north of the Cambodian provincial centre of Stung Treng. It's not serviced by public transport.

Visas – overstays

Ensure you have a valid visa for the entire duration of your stay in Cambodia. Overstaying your visa is a serious offence. You may not be allowed to leave Cambodia until you pay a fine or serve a prison sentence. Fines increase daily.

If you overstay your visa less than a month, you may need to pay the fine at the airport on departure. If you overstay your visa more than one month, you risk severe penalties, including imprisonment, deportation and/or banned from returning to Cambodia.

Check your visa dates carefully. If your visa is issued outside of Cambodia, the expiry date on your visa is not how long you can stay, but the final date you can use the visa to enter Cambodia. You can only stay for 30 days from the date of your arrival.

If you want to stay in Cambodia for more than 30 days, you'll need to renew your visa. Tourist visas can only be renewed once. Visas can be renewed at travel agents, hostels, guesthouses and vehicle rental companies. You can also attend the Department of Immigration office located opposite the Phnom Penh International Airport.

Other formalities

If you intend to work in Cambodia you'll need a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, regardless of your visa type or employment status.

Passport

Check the expiry date of your Australian passport before you travel. Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months from when you plan to leave that country.

Your passport is a valuable document and attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. Always keep it in a safe place.

Some operators may ask to hold your passport as a deposit or guarantee before hiring vehicles to you. Don't provide your passport as a deposit or guarantee under any circumstances. Offer a photocopy or another form of ID instead.

Be aware of attempts to get access to your passport by deception. If you're forced to hand over your passport, contact the Embassy for advice. See
Where to get help.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must notify the Australian Government as soon as possible.

get an exit visa from the Cambodian Department of Immigration – approval for an exit visa will take around three working days from when you submit your police report, passport and exit visa request.

Ensure you allow enough time to get a new passport and exit visa before your planned departure. If you don't have a valid visa in your passport, your departure will be delayed, and you may be fined or detained.

Money

The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR) but US Dollars (USD) are also legal tender. You can use KHR for small transactions but you'll need USD for most purchases.

ATM facilities are widely available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville and Kampot. In other areas, ATM facilities are limited and may be unreliable. Cashing services for credit card cash advances and travellers cheques are available for a fee at banks in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Battambang.

Take enough USD to cover basic travelling expenses. Ensure your US currency is in good condition. Sellers may refuse to accept dirty or torn notes, or high denominations. Counterfeit bills are in circulation in Cambodia.

Safety and security

Crime

Theft

'Snatch-and-grab' crimes against tourists by thieves on motorcycles are frequent. Foreigners have been injured in these attacks, particularly when walking along footpaths or travelling on motorbike taxis or tuk-tuks. Some thieves use knives to cut bags as they snatch them.

Australians have had valuables, such as money and passports, stolen from locked hotel and guesthouse rooms, particularly in cheaper accommodation. Items have been stolen from luggage in bus compartments, including between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap or Sihanoukville.

Bag-snatching, pick-pocketing and other theft can occur at any time, particularly in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap.

Australians have been robbed after withdrawing cash from ATMs. ATM skimming also occurs.

Carry only what you need. Leave other valuables, including your passport, in a secure location.

Avoid carrying bags that are easy to snatch.

Walk on footpaths (where available), away from the curb, with your bag on the opposite side to the traffic.

If travelling by tuk-tuk, use those with barriers (such as curtains or netting) covering the passenger sides to reduce opportunities for thieves.

Take care not to expose your PIN to others, particularly when using ATMs.

Monitor your transaction statements.

Sexual assault and other violent crime

Foreigners have been the target of sexual assault in Cambodia, particularly in Sihanoukville, Siem Reap and other tourist locations. Victims are often targeted at night, when intoxicated and/or travelling alone.

Parties, including organised dance parties on islands off the coast of Sihanoukville and other locations, may place you at increased risk of sexual assault. These islands are often isolated. Access to medical or emergency assistance may be limited or non-existent. Excessive consumption of alcohol may make you more vulnerable to violent crime, including robbery or assault.

Pre-arrange transport with your accommodation when heading out at night.

Stick with people you trust at parties, in bars, nightclubs and taxis.

Take particular care when consuming alcoholic beverages in popular tourist spots.

Support is also available from
Beyond Blue,
Lifeline and a range of
other providers. If you need counselling services while overseas, contact the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305 and ask to speak to a telephone counsellor.

Gun violence

Firearm ownership in Cambodia is common. Guns are sometimes used to resolve disputes. Gun shots have been fired into businesses and shootouts have occurred. Traffic disputes have also resulted in violence involving weapons. Bystanders can get caught up in these disputes.

Armed robberies and home invasions targeting businesses or business owners occur across Cambodia. Assaults and armed robberies against foreigners have also occurred, and foreigners have been seriously injured and killed.

Assaults

Late night assault and robbery against foreigners by motorcycle taxi drivers also occur. Areas frequented by tourists and expatriate residents are particularly targeted, including the Riverfront area, Tonle Bassac and Boeung Keng Kang 1 (BKK1) in Phnom Penh, as well as the town of Sihanoukville and surrounding beaches.

At night, travel by car is generally safer than by motorcycle, tuk-tuk or cyclo (cycle-rickshaw). Taxis are available and are comparable in price to other forms of transport.

Scams

Tourists may encounter scams and associated serious criminal activity in Cambodia. Criminal rings operating in Cambodia, particularly in Phnom Penh, often use a friendly person to approach tourists and invite them to a private home on various pretexts. Tourists have been coerced into playing card games and have lost large amounts of money, or have been forced to withdraw money from an ATM or shop, often at gunpoint.

Online relationship and friendship scams also occur. Australians involved in such scams have been asked to carry items concealing narcotics out of Cambodia.

Credit card and ATM fraud, including the use of skimming machines which can store card data, happens in Cambodia.

Be wary of accepting invitations from strangers, including to visit private homes.

Never carry parcels or luggage for others.

Check for skimming machines before using ATMs.

Piracy

Civil unrest and political tension

Avoid political gatherings, protests and demonstrations as they can turn violent. Local police and security forces have responded with force on occasion, and may not distinguish between demonstrators and bystanders. Large crowds present an added safety risk. Foreigners involved in protests and demonstrations may face arrest and deportation.

In Phnom Penh, possible sites for rallies include political party offices, court buildings, the National Assembly building, the Prime Minister's residence, Wat Phnom, the Phnom Penh Municipal Government Office, Democracy Park, and other government and military buildings or compounds.

Roadblocks restricting access through the city can occur with little warning. The presence of armed security personnel on the streets can increase around the time of key domestic political events, including elections.

Land and border disputes along the Cambodia-Vietnam and Cambodia-Thailand borders have resulted in demonstrations, violence and cross-border fighting.

Tourist attractions and border crossing points in these areas can be closed with little or no notice.

Avoid demonstrations, political events, protests, large-scale public gatherings and roadblocks.

Monitor the media and other sources of information for advice of possible unrest, protest locations and road blocks.

Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities.

Do not film or photograph protests, demonstrations, political rallies or armed security personnel.

Be particularly alert in the lead-up to and during religious or national festivals, days of national significance, such as elections, and commemorations.

Show an appropriate level of respect, particularly in areas where commemorative activities for the royal family or religious activities are taking place.

Terrorism

In recent years, Cambodian authorities have prevented a number of attempted bomb and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks.

Local travel

Tours and adventure activities

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure activities such as scuba diving, aren't always met. Suitable safety equipment may not be provided. Maintenance standards and safety precautions may be ignored.

If you plan to participate in adventure activities:

check if the activity is covered by your insurance policy

don't be afraid to ask about or insist on minimal safety requirements

always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts, even if others don't.

If appropriate safety equipment is not available, use another provider.

Landmines

Landmines are a danger in many parts of Cambodia, especially along the border with Thailand. Large areas of rural Cambodia are still contaminated with unexploded ordnance. If you visit the north and northwest of Cambodia, don't stray from clearly marked pathways. Be careful if travelling beyond the Angkor Wat temple complex to outlying temples in the Siem Reap area.

Road travel

Travel by roads, especially at night, is dangerous because of poor road conditions, wandering livestock and the risk of crime. Driving standards, and vehicle and road maintenance are generally poor. Streets are crowded in major cities and road rules are routinely ignored. Serious injuries from road accidents occur daily in Cambodia. Motorcycle and coach/bus travel have particularly high accident rates. Large crowds can form quickly after road accidents and the occupants of the vehicle are at risk of becoming victims of extortion.

Speed limits in Cambodia restrict motorcycle drivers to 30km per hour in towns and 60km per hour on the outskirts. Other vehicle drivers are restricted to 40km per hour in towns and 80km per hour outside. You must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

If you're issued a ticket, you'll need to pay the fine at a payment centre within 30 days. Always ask for a receipt.

Driver's licence

If you want ride a motorcycle larger than 125cc, you'll need a Cambodian driver's (or motorcycle) licence. Apply for a licence in person at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport using a valid car or motorcycle licence from Australia; otherwise you will be required to undergo testing.

Under Cambodian law, you can ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity of up to 125cc without a licence. However, check with your insurer. Some travel insurers may not cover you for riding a motorcycle at all, even if you're fully licensed. Others won't cover riders unless they hold an Australian motorcycle licence, even if riding a motorcycle with capacity less than 125cc.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are a common form of urban public transport. Check your insurance policy provides coverage for riding motorcycles, either as a driver or passenger. It's illegal to have more than two adults and one child travelling on a motorcycle.

Take precautions, including the use of a helmet and protective clothing, when travelling on a motorcycle or moto-scooter, even as a passenger. Most helmets in Cambodia don't meet Australian standards. If you're visiting Cambodia for a motorcycle tour or you're expecting to travel extensively by motorcycle, bring a helmet and protective clothing with you.

Taxis

Official, metered taxis are generally safe and convenient but be alert to possible scams and safety risks. Riding in tuk-tuks (motorised three-wheel vehicles) or on motorcycle 'taxis' poses additional safety and security risks. Registered drivers with ride-sharing services such as Uber are available in Phnom Penh. Limited versions of similar services operate in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

Motorcycle taxis (moto) and tuk-tuks are commonly used for short distance transport. Three-wheel bicycle taxis (cyclo) can also be found in some cities. Fares aren't metered and may be set according to distance travelled, number of passengers or time of day. Occasionally, drivers accept passengers without understanding their destination. Destinations are often identified by common landmarks, such as the nearest pagoda.

Agree on the fare before engaging a motorcycle taxi, tuk-tuk or cyclo.

Carry a map and have some idea of the direction you're required to take to reach your final destination.

Rail travel

Boat travel

Travel by boat in Cambodia can be dangerous. Boats ferrying passengers to islands off the coast of Sihanoukville have sunk, most recently in 2016. Even modern boats may be overcrowded and lack basic safety equipment (such as life jackets, life rafts and fire extinguishers).

Ensure any boat you plan to board has appropriate safety equipment, including life jackets for all passengers.

Wear your life jacket at all times, even if others don't.

Check with your tour operator or boat management appropriate safety standards are in place, including passenger and weight limits. If not, find another boat.

Air safety

The safety and maintenance standards of aircraft owned by local airlines may be deficient. Local airlines often cancel or reschedule flights at short notice.

The Australian Government doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See the
Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Cambodia.

Surrogacy and adoption laws

In 2016, the Cambodian Government banned surrogacy. Don't come to Cambodia to arrange commercial surrogacy.

Australia doesn't have an intercountry adoption program with Cambodia. As a result, the Australian Government can't process adoption requests at this time. The Attorney-General's Department is monitoring Cambodia's progress on implementation of an intercountry adoption framework and practical compliance with the Hague Convention standards and principles.

Other laws

criticising or insulting the King, including via online publications and social media.

making a false statement to police, including in relation to an insurance claim – this includes reporting any crime that didn't take place or lying about the circumstances of an incident

nudity in public places or at sacred sites, including Angkor Wat

possession or production of pornographic material, including personal images taken on mobile phones, cameras or computers for personal use

purchase or possession of cultural or archaeological artefacts without a permit

the flying of drones in Phnom Penh, unless prior approval is received from the Phnom Penh Municipality

unauthorised hunting of wildlife

wildlife trafficking

working without a valid work permit. working without a valid work permit. See
Entry and exit.

Australian and Cambodian authorities are committed to combating child sex offences. There are severe penalties under both Australian and Cambodian law for those participating in such activity. You can be prosecuted either in Cambodia or at home under Australian law. Penalties for engaging in sexual activity with anyone younger than 18 years include lengthy prison terms.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws apply overseas. If you commit these offences, you may be prosecuted in Australia. These laws include, but aren't limited to:

Local customs

Since 2016, Cambodian authorities have been enforcing modesty laws at prominent sites of religious significance, such as the Angkor Wat temple complex. Dress modestly, including covering your knees and shoulders. You won't be able to enter if you don't.

Don't take photos of people without their permission, especially monks and other religious figures. It is culturally inappropriate.

Avoid taking photographs near sensitive sites such as military zones, assets or personnel, transportation facilities and government buildings.

Dual nationals

Under Cambodian law, Cambodian citizenship can't be relinquished, even if a Cambodian citizen acquires the nationality of another country. Always travel on your Australian passport.

Cambodian dual nationals aged 18 to 30, who reside permanently in Cambodia may be liable for compulsory military service. Military obligations for female citizens are applied on a voluntary basis.

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive
travel insurance before you depart to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government won't pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars upfront.

Confirm:

what circumstances and activities are and aren't covered under your policy

Medication

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. Before you leave Australia, check if your medication is legal in each country you're travelling to.

Take prescription medicine with you so you remain in good health. Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you take and that it's for personal use only.

Take care if purchasing medication in Cambodia. Local pharmacies may sell counterfeit medication which is often indistinguishable from authentic medication.

Health risks

Methanol poisoning

Don't drink home-made or unlabelled alcohol in Cambodia. They may contain harmful substances, particularly methanol, which can cause serious illness, blindness, brain injury or death. Symptoms of methanol poisoning can include fatigue, headaches and nausea.The effects are similar to excessive drinking, but with pronounced vision problems that may include blurred or snowfield vision, flashes of light, tunnel vision, changes in colour perception, dilated pupils, difficulty looking at bright lights, or blindness.

Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you, or anyone you're travelling with, have been affected by methanol or other poisoning. This could be vital to avoiding permanent disability or death. Report methanol poisoning to local police.

Insect borne illnesses

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis are widespread in Cambodia. Malaria is also common in some regions, particularly along the borders in mountainous regions.

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Cambodia is high. Exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.

Rabies

Rabies can be found in animals across Cambodia. Rabies is a deadly virus that can be transmitted to humans by mammals such as dogs, monkeys, cats, rats or bats. Take care when dealing with animals and seek immediate medical attention if you sustain a bite or scratch from an animal. In the absence of vaccination and/or post-exposure treatment, rabies is 100 per cent fatal.

Rabies vaccinations and post-exposure treatments are usually available at:

Bird flu

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is common in Cambodia with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. It mostly affects children under the age of 10 but adult cases (particularly young adults) aren't unusual. To minimise the risk of contracting or transmitting HFMD, pay close attention to hygiene, including by carefully and frequently washing your hands.

Other infectious diseases

Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, tuberculosis, typhoid and rabies) are common, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Isolated outbreaks of cholera also occur in some rural areas. Fresh water sources, such as rivers and lakes, carry parasitic diseases, such as schistosomiasis (bilharzia).

Boil drinking water or drink bottled water.

Avoid ice cubes.

Avoid uncooked and undercooked food.

Don't swim or bathe in fresh water sources.

Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning, if you have a fever or suffer from diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Cambodia are generally of a very poor quality and very limited in the services they can provide.

Outside Phnom Penh there are almost no medical facilities equipped to deal with medical emergencies.

Hospitals and doctors generally require up-front payment in cash or evidence of valid medical insurance before commencing treatment, even in an emergency. Hospital stays can be expensive, with costs often increasing quickly into thousands of dollars. Passports are often withheld until payment is received.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a destination with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuations, usually to Bangkok or Singapore, are very expensive. All medical costs, including evacuations, are at the traveller's expense.

Medical tourism

Medical tourism is growing in many countries in Asia, including Cambodia. However, medical care in Cambodia doesn't meet international standards. Serious and possibly life-threatening complications can result.

Avoid elective and cosmetic surgery in Cambodia.

Natural disasters

Severe storms and widespread seasonal flooding, including localised flash flooding, can occur without warning in Cambodia, particularly during the local wet season from July to November. Floods may disrupt travel to some provinces. The
Mekong River Commission provides information on flood levels for the Mekong River.

Keep an eye on media, weather and flood level reports, especially during the wet season.

Check with your tour operator for the latest information on disruptions.

Take official warnings seriously.

Don't enter areas affected by flooding without seeking advice from local authorities.

Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities.

If there is a natural disaster:

secure your passport and phone in a safe, waterproof location or carry it on you at all times (in a waterproof bag)

contact friends and family in Australia with regular updates about your welfare and whereabouts

Where to get help

Depending on what you need, your best option may be to contact your family, friends, travel agent, travel insurance provider, employer or airline. Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Emergency phone numbers

Local law enforcement may lack the resources to assist you in an emergency situation or to investigate crimes. Police stations and emergency numbers might not be available 24 hours a day. English may not be spoken by operators.

The tourist police have booths in tourist locations and most cities. In Phnom Penh, contact the tourist police at Number 13, Street 158, near Wat Koh. In Siem Reap, the tourist police are located on Charles de Gaulle road, south of the Angkor Wat main entrance and the disused ticket booths.

In other towns, contact the nearest police station. You may need to arrange an interpreter. Be wary of providing your fingerprint or signature to a police document if you're unable to read it.

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Tourism services and products

For complaints relating to tourism services or products, contact your service provider directly. If you're not satisfied with their response, report the issue to the tourist police.

Check the
Embassy website for information about opening hours and temporary closures that may affect service provision.

If you are unable to contact the Embassy in a consular emergency, contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

Additional information

Volunteering

Follow the advice on
Volunteering overseas to help ensure your overseas volunteering experience is safe, ethical and worthwhile. Thoroughly research any organisation offering opportunities to volunteer with children, especially in orphanages and find out whether the organisation you are working with is registered.